JP2011212296A - Program, information storage medium and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium and a game system which can display character strings inputted by players on a game screen in a visually comprehensive way.SOLUTION: Balloon images including input character strings are displayed on the game screen in association with characters corresponding to the players who input the character strings. When character strings which belong to the same category are input several times, the input character strings are grouped into one character string and a balloon image including the character string is displayed on the game screen. The size or the shape of the balloon image including the character string is changed according to the number of inputs.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a game system.

  Conventionally, in a game in which a plurality of players participate, a game system that displays the remarks and instructions of each player on a game screen is known. In such a game system, it is known that a balloon is displayed from the mouth of the character corresponding to each player, and the content of the speech is displayed in the speech balloon as if the character spoke. (For example, patent document 1).

JP 2001-351125 A

  However, the conventional game system has a problem that the screen becomes complicated when a large number of messages are displayed.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and the object is as follows.
An object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information storage medium, and a game system that can be displayed on a game screen in an easily understandable manner.

(1) The program according to the present invention is:
A display control unit configured to set a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters, and to perform control for displaying the character string information in association with at least the first player character;
Causing the computer to function as a determination unit that determines whether or not a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion;
The display control unit
When it is determined that a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion, the character string information assigned to the first player character and the second character information It is determined that the character string information assigned to the player character belongs to the same classification, and the character string information assigned to the first player in association with the first and second player characters, the second Control is performed to display at least one of character string information assigned to the player and character string information having the same meaning as the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. The present invention also relates to a game system including the above-described units. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that is a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units.

  In the present invention, the character string information includes an icon representing a specific type of utterance with a picture or symbol.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the game screen from becoming complicated.

(2) In the program, information storage medium and game system according to the present invention,
The display control unit
After displaying the character string information assigned to the second player character in association with the second player character, the character string information assigned to the first player in association with the first and second player characters, Control may be performed to display at least one of character string information assigned to the second player and character string information having the same meaning as the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. Good.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the game screen from becoming complicated.

(3) In the program, information storage medium and game system according to the present invention,
A predetermined display area is set for the character string information,
The display control unit
Character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters when it is determined that a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion You may make it set the display area corresponding to.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the game screen from becoming complicated.

(4) In the program, information storage medium and game system according to the present invention,
The display control unit
Display string information in response to input from the player,
At least one of character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters and a display area corresponding to the character string information in accordance with the number of times of input of the character string information determined to correspond to the predetermined classification standard The display mode may be changed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for the player to visually grasp the number of input times of character strings belonging to the same classification.

(5) In the program, information storage medium and game system according to the present invention,
The display control unit
At least one of character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters and a display area corresponding to the character string information in accordance with the number of times of input of the character string information determined to correspond to the predetermined classification standard You may make it change the magnitude | size of.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for the player to visually grasp the number of input times of character strings belonging to the same classification.

(6) In the program, information storage medium and game system according to the present invention,
The display control unit
The character string information may be displayed in association with the player character by controlling the display position of the character string information based on the position of the player character.

  According to the present invention, since the character string information is displayed according to the position of the character corresponding to the player who has spoken, it is possible to make it easier for the player to visually grasp the speaker.

(7) In the program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The character string information is fixed character string information registered in advance,
The display control unit
When an input for selecting one fixed character string information from a plurality of the fixed character string information is performed by the player, control is performed to display the selected fixed character string information in association with the player character corresponding to the player. You may do it.

  According to the present invention, character string information input by a player can be easily classified.

(8) In the program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The computer further functions as a communication control unit that transmits data related to the fixed character string information selected by the player to another device via the network, and receives data related to the fixed character string information transmitted from the other device via the network. ,
The display control unit
You may make it perform control which displays the fixed character string information specified by the data regarding the received fixed character string information.

In the game system according to the present invention,
A communication control unit that transmits data related to the fixed character string information selected by the player to the other device via the network and receives data related to the fixed character string information transmitted from the other device via the network;
The display control unit
You may make it perform control which displays the fixed character string information specified by the data regarding the received fixed character string information.

The figure which shows an example of the functional block diagram of the game system of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the process of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating a modification. The figure for demonstrating a modification.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game system (game device) of the present embodiment. Note that the game system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by a button, a cross key capable of inputting a plurality of directions, a lever, a touch panel display, a keyboard, a mouse, or a casing.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM or the like.

  In particular, the storage unit 170 of the present embodiment stores a plurality of character string information (text data, image data representing text or icons, etc.). Each character string information has specific information (ID) for specifying a character string. Each character string information may have a classification ID for classifying the character string. The storage unit 170 may store image data of a balloon image. Here, the character string is classified according to the semantic content of the character string. In addition, a plurality of character strings having different languages representing the same semantic content belong to the same classification. The storage unit 170 may store image data of icons representing each character or each player.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. The information storage medium 180 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, saved game data, and the like. The portable information storage device 194 includes a memory card.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, another game system or server) via a network (Internet, wireless LAN, etc.), and functions as various processors or communication. It can be realized by hardware such as an ASIC for a computer or a program.

  Note that a program or data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment stored in the information storage medium or storage unit of the server is received via the network, and the received program or data is received by the information storage medium 180. Or may be stored in the storage unit 170. The case where the game system is functioned by receiving the program or data as described above is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation data and programs from the operation unit 160, data received from other game systems and servers, and the like. Here, the game process includes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game (a process for advancing the game stage), a process for arranging objects such as characters and maps, and displaying objects. A process for calculating a game result, a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a virtual camera control unit 114, a determination unit 116, a display control unit 118, a communication control unit 120, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 140. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The object space setting unit 110 is an object composed of various objects (polygons, free-form surfaces, subdivision surfaces, etc.) representing display objects such as characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain). ) Is set in the object space. For example, the position and rotation angle (synonymous with the direction and direction of the object in the world coordinate system, for example, rotation when rotating clockwise when viewed from the positive direction of each axis of the X, Y, and Z axes in the world coordinate system. The angle is determined, and the object is arranged at the position (X, Y, Z) at the rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis).

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 (movement processing unit) performs movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of an object (such as a character). That is, an object is moved in the object space (game space) based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), a physical law, etc. Performs processing to move the object (motion, animation). Specifically, object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (position or rotation angle of each part that constitutes the object) are sequentially transmitted every frame (1/60 seconds). Perform the required simulation process. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing. The movement / motion processing unit 112 updates the movement information and motion information of the object based on the movement information and motion information of the object (a character corresponding to another player) received from the other game system via the communication unit 196. Perform the process. Further, the movement / motion processing unit 112 may perform movement / motion calculation of the object based on operation data received from another game system or server via the communication unit 196.

  The virtual camera control unit 114 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image viewed from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), or the like, the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (for example, the virtual camera in the world coordinate system) A process of controlling the rotation angle in the case where the X, Y, and Z axes rotate clockwise as viewed from the positive direction is performed. In short, processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, and the angle of view is performed.

  The display controller 118 sets a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters, and performs control to display the character string information in association with at least the first player character. When the character is an NPC (non-player character), the character string information selected by the processing unit 100 according to a given algorithm is displayed in association with the character that is the NPC.

  The determination unit 116 determines whether or not a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion.

  When the determination unit 116 determines that the plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion, the display control unit 118 displays the first player character. The character string information assigned to the first player character is determined to belong to the same category as the character string information assigned to the second player character, and the first player character is associated with the first player character. At least one of character string information assigned to the character player, character string information assigned to the second player, and character string information having the same meaning as the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. To control.

  Here, the determination as to whether or not a plurality of character strings correspond to a predetermined classification criterion may be made based on the ID of each character string (information for specifying the character string). Alternatively, it may be performed based on the classification ID of each character string. A plurality of character string IDs or classification IDs corresponding to a predetermined classification standard are set in advance, and this setting may be changed according to the game situation.

  Further, when the character string information assigned to the first player character is displayed in association with the first player character, the character string information assigned to the second player character is associated with the first and second player characters. When displaying character string information (or character string information having the same meaning as the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters), the character string information assigned to the first player character is displayed. The character string information assigned to the second player character may be replaced with the character string information for display, or the character string information assigned to the first player character may be displayed after being moved or changed in display mode. Character string information assigned to the player character may be displayed.

  Further, the display control unit 118 displays the character string information assigned to the second player character in association with the second player character, and then associates it with the first and second player characters to display the character string information to the first player. Display at least one of the assigned character string information, the character string information assigned to the second player, and the character string information having the same meaning as the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. Take control.

  In addition, when a predetermined display area is set in the character string information, the display control unit 118 determines that a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion. If determined, a display area corresponding to character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters may be set.

  The display control unit 118 displays character string information in accordance with an input from the operation unit 160 by the player, and the first and the first in accordance with the number of times of input of the character string information determined to meet the predetermined classification criterion. The display mode (for example, size, shape, color, transparency) of at least one of the character string information to be displayed in association with the second player character and the display area corresponding to the character string information may be changed. For example, control is performed to increase the character string information and display area as the number of inputs increases.

  Here, when changing the display mode of at least one of the character string information and the display area corresponding to the character string information, the character string information and the display area may be processed in the same manner to change the display mode. Alternatively, the character string information and the display area may be expressed with different textures, and the display mode of the character string information and the display mode of the display area may be changed separately. For example, the character string information may be enlarged in accordance with the enlargement of the display area, or only the font size of the character string information is enlarged until the number of times of input reaches the predetermined number of times, and the number of times of input exceeds the predetermined number of times. In this case, the display area may be enlarged in accordance with the enlargement of the font size of the character string information.

  The display control unit 118 may display the character string information in association with the player character by controlling the display position of the character string information based on the position of the player character.

  Further, when the character string information is pre-registered standard character string information, the display control unit 118 receives an input for selecting one standard character string information from the plurality of standard character string information. The selected fixed character string information may be displayed in association with the player character corresponding to the player.

  The communication control unit 120 transmits the data related to the fixed character string information selected by the player to the other device (other game system) via the communication unit 196 and the network, and the data related to the fixed character string information transmitted from the other device. Is received via the network and communication unit 196. The display control unit 118 performs control to display the fixed character string information specified by the received data related to the fixed character string information. Here, the data related to the fixed character string information may be data for specifying (identifying) the fixed character string information or data including the fixed character string information.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 114 may control the virtual camera based on the number of times of input of a character string belonging to the same classification (character string information determined to meet the predetermined classification criterion).

  The image generation unit 130 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In the case of generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, the image generation unit 130 of the present embodiment firstly sets the vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector or α) of each vertex of the object (model). Object data (model data) including a value etc. is input, and vertex processing is performed based on the vertex data included in the input object data. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  In the vertex processing, geometric processing such as vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. The given vertex data is changed (updated or adjusted) for the vertex group to be configured. Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (fragment processing) for drawing pixels constituting an image (fragments constituting a display screen) is performed.

  In pixel processing, various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / changing, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed to determine the final drawing color of the pixels that make up the image, and perspective transformation is performed. The drawing color of the object is output (drawn) to a frame buffer (buffer that can store image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed.

  Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) set in the object space is generated. Note that when there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image can be generated so that an image seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as a divided image on one screen.

  The sound generation unit 140 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 2, an example of the game image (game screen) of this embodiment is shown.

  In the present embodiment, the character player character is moved in the object space based on operation data from the operation unit. And the image which looked at the object space containing a some character from the virtual camera is produced | generated, and it displays as game image GI.

  In the game image GI, characters CA1 to CA4 corresponding to each player are displayed, and each player can play a game of fighting an enemy character or performing a predetermined mission in cooperation with an ally character. . In the present embodiment, eight players are divided into two teams of four players, and a battle game by two teams can be played. In addition, each player can move the corresponding character or cause the corresponding character to perform an attack action or the like by operating the operation unit. A game image GI shown in FIG. 2 is a game image in a situation in which a strategy is discussed within a team composed of characters CA1 to CA4, immediately after the start of a battle game in which a battle between two teams is performed.

  In the game image GI, a candidate character string window WD is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a plurality of character strings (standard character string information) that are candidate character strings for chat are displayed in the candidate character string window WD. Each player operates the operation unit to select one character string from among a plurality of character strings displayed in the candidate character string window WD, whereby a balloon image (corresponding to the character string) including the selected character string is selected. The set character string display area) is displayed on the game image GI in association with the corresponding character, and the chat can be transmitted. In the candidate character string window WD, a plurality of character strings determined based on the game processing result (game situation) and the player's selection input are displayed as candidate character strings, which are suitable for the game situation at that time. Multiple strings are displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the character string “Let's fight” is selected and input by the player corresponding to the character CA1, the character string “Let's fight” is assigned to the character CA1, and the balloon image BI1 including the character string “Let's fight” Is displayed in association with the character CA1. Since the character string “let's escape” is selected and input by the player corresponding to the character CA4, the character string “let's escape” is assigned to the character CA4, and the balloon image BI4 including the character string “let's escape” is assigned to the character CA4. Displayed in association. The balloon image including the character string has a shape for specifying the character corresponding to the player who has input the character string, and the tip of the balloon foot FT has a shape indicating the character. The balloon image is displayed at a predetermined position on the upper right of the character.

  In the present embodiment, when a character string having the same ID (an example of a character string belonging to the same category) is input a plurality of times, a balloon including the input character strings as a single character string. The image is displayed on the game image GI, and the size or shape (an example of a display mode) of the balloon image including the one character string is changed according to the number of inputs.

  For example, in the situation shown in FIG. 2A, when the character string “Let's fight” is selected by the player corresponding to the character CA3, first, as shown in FIG. Is displayed in association with the character CA3. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3B, the character string “Fight” included in each of the balloon images BI1 and BI3 is one character string. A balloon image BI10 that is put together in “Fight” and includes the character string “Fight” is displayed in association with the characters CA1 and CA3. At this time, the size of the balloon image BI10 (character string display area) and the font size of the character string included in the balloon image BI10 are larger than those of the balloon images BI1 and BI3. In addition, you may make it display the balloon image BI10 which summarized the character string directly, without displaying balloon image BI3.

  The balloon image BI10 has a shape for specifying the characters CA1 and CA3 corresponding to the two players who input the character strings included in the balloon image BI10, and the two legs FT1 and FT2 (2 The tips of the two protrusions are shaped to point to the characters CA1 and CA3, respectively. In this way, it is possible to easily grasp that the character string included in the balloon image BI10 has been input by two players corresponding to the characters CA1 and CA3.

  The display position of the balloon image BI10 is determined based on the positions of the characters CA1 and CA3 (positions in the world coordinate system or the camera coordinate system) corresponding to the two players who input the character strings included in the balloon image BI10. . For example, the balloon image BI10 may be displayed at the midpoint of the line segment connecting the positions (representative points) of the balloon images BI1 and BI3 determined based on the positions of the characters CA1 and CA3. In addition, since it is desirable that the balloon image BI10 is displayed at an intermediate point between a plurality of speakers (characters CA1, CA3), the position of the balloon image BI1 (or the position of the character CA1) and the character in the camera coordinate system. The balloon image BI10 may be displayed at the midpoint of the line segment connecting the positions of CA3. Depending on the game situation, the display position of the balloon image may be corrected by controlling the virtual camera or the like.

  Further, in the situation shown in FIG. 3B, when the character string “Let ’s fight” is selected by the player corresponding to the character CA2, as shown in FIG. 4A, the player corresponding to the character CA2 The selected character string “Fight” is collected into the character string “Fight” included in the balloon image BI11, and the balloon image BI11 including the character string “Fight” is displayed in association with the characters CA1 to CA3. The At this time, the size of the balloon image BI11 is larger than that of the balloon image BI10. In addition, the tips of the three legs of the balloon have shapes that point to the characters CA1 to CA3, respectively.

  As described above, when the same character string is input a plurality of times, the input character strings are combined into one character string, so that a large number of balloon images are displayed on the game image GI and the screen is complicated. Can be prevented. In the present embodiment, the character string is input by selecting one character string from a plurality of candidate character strings. Therefore, the input character strings are easily classified according to the ID of each character string and the like. Character strings belonging to can be collected. In addition, by increasing the number of times of input of the same character string (the number of collected character strings), the size of the balloon image including the character string is increased, so that the number of input times of the same character string (the number of utterances) is reduced. It can make it easy to grasp visually. That is, in the game image GI shown in FIG. 4A, each player can easily grasp that the opinion “let's fight” is the majority and the opinion “let's run away” is the minority.

  In the present embodiment, when the number of times the same character string is input exceeds a predetermined number, the shape of the balloon image including the character string is changed. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, since the same character string “Let's fight” is selected and input by four players corresponding to the characters CA1 to CA4, the character string “Let's fight” is included and there are many protrusions. A polygonal balloon BI12 is displayed. Further, since the balloon image BI12 has a shape that does not have a balloon foot, icons IC1 to IC4 corresponding to four players are displayed in the balloon image BI12, and the character string “Fight” is selected and input. It is possible to easily grasp the player who has played. In the balloon image BI12, an icon IC1 corresponding to the player who first input the character string “Let's fight” is displayed in a size larger than the other icons IC2 to IC4. It can be identified. In the game image GI shown in FIG. 4B, each player can easily understand that the opinion of “fight” in the team is the same.

  In the present embodiment, the balloon image is deleted from the game image when a predetermined time has elapsed since the balloon image was first displayed (not displayed). Further, the balloon image may be deleted when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, if there is no input of the same character string as the character string included in the speech balloon image for a predetermined time, or if a character string different from the character string included in the speech balloon image is input, The speech balloon image may be erased when a character string different from the character string to be entered reaches a predetermined number of times or when an operation input for erasing the speech balloon image is performed. In this way, it is possible to prevent the game screen from becoming complicated.

  In the present embodiment, when the same character string is input by a player corresponding to a character that satisfies a predetermined condition, the character strings are combined into one character string. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the balloon image BI is displayed in association with the character CA1, the player corresponding to the characters CA2 and CA3 located within the predetermined distance range AR from the character CA1 displays the balloon image BI. When the same character string as the included character string is input, the input character string is collected into a character string included in the balloon image BI and the character CA4 positioned outside the predetermined distance range AR from the character CA1. The character string input by the corresponding player is not put together. In this way, it is possible to prevent the character strings input by the player corresponding to the character located far away from the character CA1 from being displayed together in the balloon image BI, and the balloon image is easy to understand visually. Can be displayed. Further, only character strings input by a player corresponding to a character located within a predetermined distance range from the virtual camera may be collected. Further, the objects to be grouped may be switched depending on the game mode. For example, in the non-competitive mode such as the lobby screen, the character strings input by the players corresponding to all the characters are collected in order to promote the exchange between the players. In the battle mode, in order not to show the message (character string) to the player of the enemy team, the character strings input by the players corresponding to the characters belonging to other teams are not collected, and the characters belonging to the same team are supported. Only character strings input by the player may be collected.

  In this embodiment, when the size of the balloon image changes according to the number of times the same character string is input, the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera are controlled accordingly. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), when the number of input of the same character string is small, the virtual camera VC is arranged at a position and orientation overlooking the character CA, and FIG. As shown in A) and FIG. 7B, when the number of input times of the same character string is large, the virtual camera VC is arranged at a position and an orientation when the character CA is viewed from the front. In this way, when the number of times the same character string is input increases and the size of the balloon image BI increases, a large space is generated above the character CA in the game image GI as shown in FIG. 7B. The balloon image BI whose size has been increased can be displayed on the game image GI. Further, when the number of times of inputting the same character string is large, the virtual camera VC may be moved in a direction away from the character CA, or control for widening the angle of view of the virtual camera VC may be performed.

  In the present embodiment, in the battle mode, the input character string is not displayed in the balloon image displayed in association with the character of another team (enemy team). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the balloon image BI5 is displayed in association with the characters CA5 to CA7 of the enemy team, and the balloon image BI8 is displayed in association with the character CA8, but the balloon images BI5 and BI8 include Character strings entered by team players are not displayed. In this way, the player cannot know the content and policy of the enemy team, but the enemy team agrees on the size, shape, and number of balloon images displayed in association with the enemy team characters. Whether or not there is.

3. Processing Next, an example of processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not there has been an operation input from the player (an input for selecting one character string from a plurality of character strings displayed in the candidate character string window) (step S10), and it is determined that there has been an operation input. If it is, one character string is selected from a plurality of character strings (a plurality of character strings stored in the storage unit) displayed in the candidate character string window based on the operation input (step S12). Next, the chat data (data related to the fixed character string information) including the character string ID of the selected character string and the player ID of the player is transferred to another game system (game system of all other players participating in the battle game). It transmits to (step S14).

  If it is determined in step S10 that there is no operation input, it is determined whether or not chat data has been received from another game system (step S16). Based on the character string ID included in the chat data, one character string is selected from a plurality of character strings displayed in the candidate character string window (step S18).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a balloon image including the same character string (character string belonging to the same category) as the character string selected in the process of step S12 or step S18 is displayed on the game image (step S20). If it is determined that the character string is not displayed, the balloon image including the selected character string is associated with the character corresponding to the player (the player of the player or other player) who has selected and input the character string. It is displayed on the image (step S22). Also, 1 is set to the number of times the character string is input.

  In the process of step S20, when it is determined that a balloon image including the same character string as the selected character string is displayed on the game image, the number of times the character string is input is increased by 1, and the character Based on the number of input times of the column, the size and shape of the balloon image including the same character string as the selected character string is changed (step S24). Here, the display position of the balloon image including the same character string as the selected character string is determined based on the position of the character corresponding to the player who has input the selected character string.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the game process is to be ended (step S26). If it is determined that the game process is not to be ended, the process proceeds to step 10, and the process after step S10 is repeated.

4). Modifications The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous terms in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

  For example, a plurality of character strings in different languages representing the same semantic content may be combined into one character string as belonging to the same classification. For example, when a balloon image including the character string “Fight” is displayed in the game image, and the character string “Let's fight”, which is an English translation of the character string “Fight”, is selected and input, “Let's fight” may be combined into the character string “Fight” and the size and shape of the balloon image including the character string “Fight” may be changed. Here, if a plurality of character strings with different languages representing the same semantic content are managed and classified with the same ID, they can be displayed together without performing a translation process. In recent games, games with the same content are localized in various languages, but since the message exchange format and the like are the same, it is possible to play games with users in other languages through the network. Can be displayed together in the language used.

  In addition, each player freely inputs a character string using an operation unit such as a keyboard, and analyzes each input character string using a keyword or the like, thereby classifying each input character string and performing the same classification. When a character string belonging to is input a plurality of times, the input character strings are combined into one character string (for example, a character string input first among a plurality of character strings belonging to the same category) in the game image. You may make it display. In addition, each player may input a voice using a voice input unit such as a microphone, specify a character string by voice recognition processing from the input voice, and analyze and classify the specified character string. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where text is selected and input as a character string has been described, but an icon may be selected and input as a character string. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, three icons representing “joy”, “anger”, and “sadness” are displayed as character strings in the candidate character string window WD, respectively. By selecting one icon, the balloon image including the selected icon can be displayed in association with the character. Here, the balloon image BI10 including the icon “joy” is displayed in association with the characters CA1 and CA3, and the balloon image BI4 including the icon “sadness” is displayed in association with the character CA4. The balloon image BI10 is displayed in a larger size than the balloon image BI4. In this way, the emotion of each player and the number of players having the same emotion can be easily grasped visually.

  Further, the number of balloons (protrusions) in the balloon image may be limited. For example, the balloon image may have only a character corresponding to the player of the player's own player or a foot indicating a character registered as a friend. In addition, a history of selection input of character strings within a predetermined period is recorded, and among the plurality of players who input the character strings included in the balloon image, the foot indicating the character corresponding to the player input in the past is sequentially It may be deleted. In addition to the history of the entire game, a history for each player is recorded in each game device, and the balloon displayed in association with the character corresponding to the player until the player of the player selects the next character string. The image or the foot indicating the character corresponding to the player may not be deleted. In addition, when a character string that is not suitable for display is input, or a character string that is input by a player that is determined to interfere with the game progress based on the input frequency, the character string that is input may be deleted. Instead of this, an NG mark may be displayed. The NG mark need not be a target to be collected. Further, the thickness of the outline of the balloon foot may be changed depending on the character. For example, the outline of a foot indicating a character corresponding to the player of the player may be thickened.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case is described in which each of a plurality of game systems connected via a network performs classification processing of character strings input in each game system and display control of a balloon image including the character strings. However, one of the plurality of game systems may be a host machine, and the host machine may perform the character string classification process and the balloon image display control. That is, when the game system other than the host machine receives selection input of a character string in its own machine, the host system transmits chat data including the ID of the input character string to the host machine, and the host machine receives the received data. Based on the chat data, character string classification processing, processing for determining the size, shape, and position of the balloon image, etc. are performed, and the processing result is transmitted to a game system other than the host machine. May perform a process of displaying the balloon image on the display unit based on the received processing result. The host machine may be a center server. Further, a server connected to a plurality of game systems via a network may perform the character string classification process and the balloon image display control. When the control is performed by the host machine or the server, there is a possibility that a delay may occur although consistency can be ensured. On the other hand, when controlling by each game system, the delay is reduced, but there is a possibility that consistency is not achieved. Therefore, when controlling by each game system, you may make it synchronize in each game system when displaying a character string or a balloon image, or changing the display mode of a character string or a balloon image.

  Further, the number of input times of character strings belonging to the same category may be counted even when the character string is input a plurality of times by one player. In such a case, the display mode of the character string or the balloon image may be changed.

  Further, not only the display mode of the character string or the balloon image but also the display mode of the character may be changed according to the number of input times of the character string belonging to the same classification. For example, when a player inputs a character string representing “anger”, a motion related to “anger” is applied to the character corresponding to the player or the eyes of the character are raised according to the number of times of input. Display control such as turning the face red may be performed.

  The present invention may also be applied to a quiz game in which each player answers a question that has been asked. FIG. 11 shows an example of a game image GI when the present invention is applied to a quiz game. As shown in FIG. 11, the question displayed on the upper side of the screen is displayed in the game image GI, and four character strings serving as answer options for this question are displayed in the candidate character string window WD. Each player can answer the problem by performing input to select one character string from the four character strings displayed in the candidate character string window WD. When each player selects one character string, a balloon image BI including the selected character string is displayed on the game image GI in association with the character CA corresponding to the player who performed the selection input. In addition, the larger the number of times the same character string is input, the larger the size of the balloon image BI including the character string. In the example shown in FIG. 11, since the character string “Akashi Kaikyo Bridge” is selected by four players, the balloon image BI including the character string is displayed larger than the other balloon images. In this way, each player can easily grasp which of the plurality of options is the majority or whether the option he / she has selected is the majority or the minority.

100 processing unit, 110 object space setting unit, 112 movement / motion processing unit, 114 virtual camera control unit, 116 classification unit, 118 display control unit, 120 communication control unit, 130 image generation unit, 140 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit , 170 storage unit, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 194 portable storage device, 196 communication unit

Claims (10)

A display control unit configured to set a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters, and to perform control for displaying the character string information in association with at least the first player character;
Causing the computer to function as a determination unit that determines whether or not a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion;
The display control unit
When it is determined that a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion, the character string information assigned to the first player character and the second character information It is determined that the character string information assigned to the player character belongs to the same classification, and the character string information assigned to the first player in association with the first and second player characters, the second A program for performing control for displaying at least one of character string information assigned to a player and character string information having a meaning common to the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. In claim 1,
The display control unit
After displaying the character string information assigned to the second player character in association with the second player character, the character string information assigned to the first player in association with the first and second player characters, Control is performed to display at least one of character string information assigned to the second player and character string information having the same meaning as the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. Program to do. In claim 1 or 2,
A predetermined display area is set for the character string information,
The display control unit
Character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters when it is determined that a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion A program characterized by setting a display area corresponding to. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The display control unit
Display string information in response to input from the player,
At least one of character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters and a display area corresponding to the character string information in accordance with the number of times of input of the character string information determined to correspond to the predetermined classification standard A program characterized by changing the display mode. In claim 4,
The display control unit
At least one of character string information to be displayed in association with the first and second player characters and a display area corresponding to the character string information in accordance with the number of times of input of the character string information determined to correspond to the predetermined classification standard A program characterized by changing the size of. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The display control unit
A program characterized in that the character string information is displayed in association with the player character by controlling the display position of the character string information based on the position of the player character. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The character string information is fixed character string information registered in advance,
The display control unit
When an input for selecting one fixed character string information from a plurality of the fixed character string information is performed by the player, control is performed to display the selected fixed character string information in association with the player character corresponding to the player. A program characterized by that. In claim 7,
The computer further functions as a communication control unit that transmits data related to the fixed character string information selected by the player to another device via the network, and receives data related to the fixed character string information transmitted from the other device via the network. ,
The display control unit
A program for controlling to display fixed character string information specified by received data related to fixed character string information.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to claim 1 to 8 is stored. A display control unit configured to set a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters, and to perform control for displaying the character string information in association with at least the first player character;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion;
The display control unit
When it is determined that a plurality of character string information assigned to each of the first and second player characters corresponds to a predetermined classification criterion, the character string information assigned to the first player character and the second character information It is determined that the character string information assigned to the player character belongs to the same classification, and the character string information assigned to the first player in association with the first and second player characters, the second A game system that performs control to display at least one of character string information assigned to a player and character string information having a meaning common to the character string information assigned to the first and second player characters. .

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